Chapter 138: To Trust (2/2)

”Are you here to have a suit? For tomorrow?” Yuran asked again after talking about Arthur's exams.

”Yeah, it's a hassle but it must be done.” Arthur grimaced. ”Are you attending as well?”

”I am, can't miss being there. The whole world has its eyes on this ball. After all, it would be the celebration of the kingdom's win against the Ilios Empire. However…”

”There won't be a mention of Mistletoe, right?” Arthur smiled. ”I've read it online; they won't acknowledge a band of thieves as their savior. That's why they're giving me and a few others medals, labeling us as heroes.”

'Even though I'm a member of Mistletoe, so the royal family would end up rewarding the band of thieves either way.' Arthur thought inwardly with a snicker.

”Yeah, it's politics.” Yuran adjusted his sleeve. ”We can't deny that many soldiers should be rewarded for their service. Even if it was for public image, the kingdom can't turn its eyes away from someone that served it.”

Arthur went silent at Yuran's words. His father served in the military in his youth and became an awakener who aspired to join the Temple, but the kingdom had forgotten what he did when he disappeared. They didn't wish to offend Everlasting Stream and the power backing it for a lost awakener.

”Your father isn't what they say he is. I know it because he can't have raised a person who would save others even when he was a non-awakener.” Yuran's words interrupted his thoughts. Arthur turned to him and saw that Yuran's face contained sympathy, gratefulness, and complexity.

Usually, he didn't feel emotions so distinctively. However, his Art of Creation allowed him to feel the existence of others more clearly. As the two sat there, he sensed how sincere yet hesitant Yuran was.

”It doesn't matter anymore.” Arthur shook his head trying to appear unconcerned.

”It does matter, Arthur.” Yuran's eyes turned serious. ”You've saved my life. I would have been dead if you didn't risk your own life for me. I thought you were dead when you fell in that hole, but you're here now. It's my chance to repay you.”

”You saved mine as well in the trial.”

”You wouldn't have died anyway; Layla was never the combatant type.” Yuran shook his head. ”Allow me to help you. I've spent my whole life looking for a cure for my mother. I know how it must feel to look for something, hoping for its return.”

Yuran's words were tinted with sorrow, making Arthur feel sympathetic. He wanted to ask what was wrong with Yuran's mother but he knew some things are better left unsaid. Yuran trusted him enough to tell him this after helping him many times in the past, so he couldn't refuse.

”This is the first time I talked with someone about it since everyone assumed my dad was dead.” Arthur looked at his shoes, flexing his toes as he felt them stretch. ”I don't know what to do, Yuran. I don't know where to start. If I ever need help, I'll tell you. I promise.” Arthur turned to him and said gratefully.

”I'll wait for that.” Yuran nodded before standing up. ”I think the master is here, so I'll take my leave. See you tomorrow, let's charm some girls together.” Yuran grinned as he said. Arthur laughed and the two parted before the master entered.

He was an old hunched man with white hair, eyebrows, and mustache. His eyes were half-closed and grayed that Arthur felt compelled to help him walk, but the master tailor trotted confidently inside, albeit slowly.

”Stand in the middle, boy.” He said with his husky voice and Arthur stood on the pedestal as the master tailor nodded approvingly.

”Fine body you have there, boy.” Arthur slightly flinched and the master tailor snapped at him. ”I'm not into such things, I'm twice as old as your master!” He said with a frown.

”Sorry,” Arthur coughed in embarrassment.

”Speed, strength, perception, stamina, and mana. These are the qualities that define your body, to a certain extent. I've seen many unbalanced bodies but yours feels like a perfect work of art. Ronin trained you well, boy.”

Arthur didn't comment and the master tailor took his measurement. He then watched as the master tailor bent fabric and fused pieces, making a custom suit from the fabric Arthur had chosen. It was black with golden edges on the side, suiting Arthur's eyes and hair.